Costa Almeria
The warm and sun kissed province of Costa Almeria has over two hundred miles of panoramic coastline available for visitors. Amongst the throng of developed resorts there are many untouched fishing villages, offering a paradise of unspoilt beaches and natural coves, with ideal spots for nature lovers. Almeria's natural beauty and useful maritime location in the Mediterranean at the south east of the Iberian Peninsula, means that over the centuries it has experienced a variety of ancient cultures, with Phoenician, Roman, Tartessos and Visigoth relics all still evident. The cultural expansion of the region also includes African influences, with Africa just a few miles away across the Mediterranean Sea. Further inland is the opportunity to explore Europe's only desert area, which is located on the outskirts of the Tabernas village and boasts a starring role in many western films. Almeria also has the Cabo de Gato-Nijar nature reserve situated to the east of the province, which is a lunar landscape with rugged coastlines, making it a paradise for scuba diving, bird watching and hiking. Although the province hosts a dry and dusty landscape the agricultural industry thrives with greenhouse tunnel farms providing a large amount of rural produce and an abundance of flowers. Quaint squares, pavement cafes and an enchanting marina reside in the capital city of Almeria and tourists flock to resorts dotted on either side of the city to the east and west coastal regions of the province. Panoramic sandy beaches with the warm waters of the Mediterranean lapping at the shores ensure a ideal beach holiday and cultural activities, natural exploration and historical city breaks are all part of the Costa Almeria holiday experience.
Almeria City
Over shadowed by the amazing sight of the Alcazaba, which is a massive Moorish citadel that dates back to 995, Almeria city was originally an ancient Andalusian city and is situated at the base of a bay in a sheltered position. The city also contains a spectacular Cathedral, which was built in 1524, although the Christian monument holds a greater resemblance to a fortress than a church, as the constant threat of pirate attacks meant it had to be fortified. Not surprising that the church was a focussed point for pirate attacks, with the ancient artistic treasures contained within it, including an eighteenth century tabernacle designed by Ventura Rodriguez. The old town of Almeria is rich with medieval architecture, picturesque squares and museums. In addition a range of atmospheric cave dwellings reside in the old gypsy quarter, for those wishing to explore a part of ancient Spain.
Address: Tourist information: Parque Nicolás Salmerón, s/n Esquina Martínez Campos; Telephone: Tourist information: 950 27 4355
Tabernas
The small village of Tabernas is a gem for visitors interested in movies or the Wild West. Situated just sixteen miles from Almeria city and nestled between the Sierra de Filabres and Sierra de Alhamilla, the small village is surrounded by a desert landscape of canyons and rocky wastelands. This little village has housed American film stars like Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale and Lee van Cleef and has played the role of the 'set' in films such as The Magnificent Seven, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars. The original movie lots are now turned into theme parks offering stagecoach rides, a visit to the saloon and a chance to visit Mini Hollywood, Texas Hollywood or Western Leone in the European desert, with a range of shows and a zoo it offers a full entertainment experience to visitors.
Address: Tabernas Desert Nature Preserve; Telephone: Mini Hollywood: 950 365 236; Texas Hollywood: 950 55 0387; Opening time:
The movie lots are open daily. Times of shows vary
Cabo de Gata Natural Park
The Cabo de Gata Natural Park is Andalusia's largest coastal nature reserve, offering a varied landscape of volcanic mountains, sand dunes, arid desert, hidden sandy coves, wetlands, a lagoon and jagged cliffs by the sea. This natural paradise is massive and marked by a lighthouse at the very tip of the Cabo de Gata peninsula. It offers activities which range from sports like hiking, mountain biking and water sports, to more cultural or historical pursuits like visiting the ancient ruins, exploring the tranquil fishing hamlets, bird watching or luxuriating on the spectacular stretched of untouched beaches.
Address: On the route from Almeria city to San Jose, about 40 minutes drive from the capital; Telephone: 950 277 012
